The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Honor X9 and X9a are two compelling options, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9a edges out the X9 thanks to its 5G connectivity and slightly more modern chipset. However, the X9’s significantly faster 66W charging is a major advantage. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities: 5G or rapid charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 31 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 14 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5 | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min | 40W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | - | RMO-NX1 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | $ 212.08 |
Honor X9
- 66W SuperCharge (very fast charging)
- Reliable 4G performance
- Large display for media consumption
- Good value for money
- No 5G connectivity
- Slightly older chipset
- Potentially less refined software experience
Honor X9a
- 5G connectivity
- Slightly more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Potentially improved camera processing
- Stylish design (likely curved display)
- Slower 40W charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Performance gains over X9 are not massive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.8-inch display, likely with a similar resolution (FHD+). The X9a may have a slightly improved panel with better color accuracy or brightness, but this needs further testing. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, with large screens ideal for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor around 64MP. The X9a might have a slightly improved image processing pipeline due to its newer chipset, potentially resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. However, real-world camera differences are likely to be subtle.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 in the X9a offers a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 680 in the X9, particularly in 5G-related tasks. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the X9a will likely feel smoother during multitasking and gaming. The X9's CPU configuration is slightly different, but the 695 generally outperforms the 680.
Battery Life
The Honor X9 takes a clear lead in this category with its 66W fast charging. This allows for significantly quicker top-ups compared to the X9a's 40W charging. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh) on both devices, so charging speed is the key differentiator.
Buying Guide
The Honor X9 is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a reliable 4G experience. The Honor X9a is a better fit for those who want 5G connectivity and a slightly more powerful processor for future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X9a worth the extra cost over the Honor X9?
If 5G connectivity is important to you, then yes. Otherwise, the X9's faster charging and potentially lower price make it a compelling alternative.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor X9a, with its Snapdragon 695, will offer a slightly smoother gaming experience, especially for more demanding titles.
